San Antonio enjoys a diverse industry portfolio that continues to strengthen and build upon the city's historic economic base. Diverse industry strengths have emerged in recent years, making San Antonio one of the most recession resistant economies in the country. Combining the global connections with a focus on jobs and investments the City seeks to create a globally competitive and internationally connected economic development environment that supports entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes toward investment and job creation.

The Mayor and City Council are the community’s key decision makers. They focus on: the provision and efficiency of basic services; their district’s growth; capital improvement projects; land use and development; the city’s financial growth and economic development; and other important issues. Council members focus on how City policies not only meet the needs of their constituents, but also how they meet the goals of the entire community.

The 2014 City of San Antonio Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration marks the 27th anniversary of the City's celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King. Join one of the largest marches and commemorations in the U.S. aimed at honoring and continuing Dr. King's legacy.

San Antonio is an amazing place. Throughout the SA 2020 process, you proved it by showing up in droves on weeknights and Saturdays to dream about our city`s future. At a time when other big American cities reflect the skeptical chords of our national discourse, we had local CEOs sitting side-by-side with grassroots activists in a dialogue that looked like folks chatting over the backyard fence.

Located just below the headwaters of the San Antonio River, Brackenridge Park and the surrounding area has been a gathering place since prehistoric times. There is evidence of human visitation and occupation extending back at least 11,000 years. Native American artifacts dating as early as 9200 B.C. have been found in the Olmos Basin and near Hildebrand Avenue. The Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio Zoo and Sunken Garden Theatre are located at Brackenridge Park.

Luminaria is San Antonio's annual celebration of art and artists. Held in March and overseen by San Antonio's creative leaders, it is free of charge and showcases all art forms in an outdoor setting and inside various venues downtown. Luminaria spotlights San Antonio's cultural assets for local citizens and visitors alike.

Helpful Links

Contact

Staff

John M. Dugan, AICP
Director of Planning and Development

Thomas Morgan
Grants Administrator

Section 3 Business Certification

The purpose of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 is to ensure that economic opportunities be directed to low-income persons and to businesses which provide economic opportunities to low-income persons.

To apply for a Section 3 Business Certification, please click the following link and submit the form to Section3@sanantonio.gov.

How does Section 3 benefit me?

There are real benefits to attaining a Section 3 Certification. The City of San Antonio receives HUD sourced funding for housing rehabilitation, housing new construction, public infrastructure improvements, public facilities, park improvements, and economic development projects. The City has set the following goals to support certified business and individuals.

Employment:
Thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate number of new hires during a one year period of the project. (Example: A construction contractor hires 10 new workers. Three of the new workers should be Section 3 eligible persons.)

Contracting:
(a) At least 10 percent (10%) of the total dollar amount of all Section 3 covered contracts for building trades work arising in connection with housing rehabilitation, construction, and other public construction with federal funds; and
(b) At least three percent (3%) of the total dollar amount of all other covered Section 3 contracts to eligible Section 3 businesses.

There are significant economic opportunities for certified businesses. All you have to do is to get certified! GMA staff will maintain a listing of all certified businesses by trade and location. This list will be provided to participating contractors and program partners to meet Section 3 hiring and contract goals.

Does my business qualify for a Section 3 Certification?

In order to be a Section 3 Certified Business you must meet one of the following requirements:

51 percent or more owned by Section 3 residents; or

At least 30 percent of its full-time employees include persons that are currently Section 3 residents, or within three years of the date of first employment with the business concern were Section 3 residents; or

Provides evidence, as required, of a commitment to subcontract in excess of 25 percent of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns that meet the qualifications in the above two paragraphs.

Does your household income must meet the income criteria by household size:

FY 2014 80% AMI - Income Limits (Household Size)

1

2

3

4

5

6

$32,950

$37.650

$42,350

$47,050

$50,850

$54,600

Section 3 Registry - Certified Businesses

What happens after I fill out the intake form?

GMA staff will initiate the application process and review each intake form. Staff will contact you concerning any additional required documentation. The application process will be held in a pending status until all incomplete or missing documentation is provided and approved.

After all documentation has been reviewed by staff, GMA will issue a Certification Letter which is good for a period of 3 years. Your trade information will be added to a registry for hiring and contracting opportunities.